Protective pad assembly

ABSTRACT

Protective pad assemblies, which are worn on knees, elbows, shins, hips, and shoulders, and combinations thereof, are disclosed. Garments that accommodate the protective pad assemblies are also disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This claims priority to U.S. Application No. 61/586,220, filed Jan. 13,2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to protective equipment andgarments that accommodate such protective equipment. More particularly,the invention relates to protective pad assemblies worn on knees,elbows, shins, hips, and shoulders in military and non-militaryapplications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Articulation protection for knees, elbows, shins, hips, shoulders, andthe like that is an integral part of a garment is desirable. First, itallows the wearer to have a better fitting pad than an externallymounted pad, which is outside and separate from the garment. In additionto this advantage, internal pads save the wearer a step as the pad isalready in place. Such internal pads set in a pocket on the innerportion of knee or elbow of the garment are known. However, thisconfiguration requires the wearer to remove the garment to change thepad.

Accordingly. it would be desirable to provide a protective pad assemblythat is removable and replaceable without requiring the wearer to removethe garment. The protective pad assemblies of the present invention aredirected toward these, as well as other, important ends.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to protective pad assemblies andgarments that accommodate them, which provide protection and comfort tothe user while being easily removed and replaced without requiring theuser to remove the garment. The protective pad assembly has twoprotective pads and an optional comfort pad. The two protective pads areconfigured to be inserted into a pocket of a garment such that one ofthe protective pads is external to the pocket and the other protectivepad is internal to the pocket. The outer protective pad is durable andgenerally stiff to prove protection to the wearer. The outer protectivepad is exposed to the harsh abrasion, for example, when kneeling or onelbows. In addition to providing protection to the wearer, the innerprotective pad is stiff enough and permanently connected to the outerprotective pad at one end to secure the protective pad assembly withinthe pocket of the garment. If present, the optional comfort pad, whichis generally made of a less durable material than either of theprotective pads, is protected from abrasion, giving the garment a longerlife span. In addition, since the protective pad assembly is removablefrom the pocket of the garment from the outside. the wearer may removeor replace the protective pad assembly while still wearing the garment.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to protectivepad assemblies, comprising:

-   an inner protective pad having, a proximal end and a distal end; and    -   an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;    -   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad        are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and    -   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff pad        are configured to accommodate an outer portion of a pocket.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to garments, comprising

-   a pocket comprising an inner portion and an external portion; and    -   a protective pad assembly, comprising:        -   an inner protective pad having a proximal end and a distal            end;        -   an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal            end;        -   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective            pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and        -   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff            pad are configured to accommodate at least a portion of said            external portion of said pocket; and    -   wherein said inner protective pad fits within said pocket; and    -   wherein said external portion of said pocket is sandwiched        between at least a portion of said inner protective pad and at        least a. portion of said external protective pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section of one embodiment of the protective padassembly of the invention with an external protective pad, an innerprotective pad, and an optional comfort pad, shown in a pocket of agarment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a pocket of one embodiment of the garment ofthe invention that accommodates the protective pad assembly of theinvention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the protective pad assemblyof the invention showing an outer protective pad, an inner protectivepad, and an optional comfort pad.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the protective pad assemblyof the invention showing an outer protective pad, an inner protectivepad, and an optional comfort pad inserted within a pocket with a flap ofa garment of the invention.

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale andshould be understood to present a representation of the invention,illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the protectivepad assemblies and garments depicted in the drawings have been enlargedor distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation andunderstanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings forsimilar of identical components and features shown in variousalternative embodiments. Protective pad assemblies and garments, asdisclosed herein, will have configurations and components determined, inpart, by the intended application and environment in which they areused.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As employed above and throughout the disclosure, the following terms,unless otherwise indicated, shall he understood to have the followingmeanings.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include theplural reference, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention is directed to protectivepad assemblies, comprising:

-   an inner protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end; and    -   an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end;    -   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad        are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and    -   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff pad        are configured to accommodate an outer portion of a pocket.

In certain embodiments, the protective pad assembly further comprises acomfort pad. In preferred embodiments, the comfort pad is softer thansaid inner protective pad, said outer protective pad, or both, asmeasured by Shore hardness. The comfort pad may be made a wide varietyof materials that are soft and provide a cushioning effect to thewearer. Suitable materials include, for example, foam materials, rubbermaterials, animal skins, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, said comfort pad is releasably connected to saidinner protective pad. In certain embodiments, said comfort pad isreleasably connected to said pocket.

In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outerprotective pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends using atleast one connector selected from the consisting of molded connection,stitching, grommet, lacing, nut and bolt, tape, staple, adhesive, cabletie, zipper, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outerprotective part are releasably connected at said distal ends. In certainembodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective partare releasably connected at said distal ends using at least oneconnector selected from the consisting of hook-and-loop, buttons, snaps,magnets, releasable lacing, nut and bolt, zipper, and combinationsthereof.

In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad is releasablyconnected to said pocket. In certain embodiments, said outer protectivepad is releasably connected to said pocket.

In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outerprotective pad are substantially the same size. In certain embodimentssaid inner protective pad and said outer protective pad are shaped toaccommodate a body part of a user, such as, for example, an elbow, knee,shin, hip, or shoulder. In certain preferred embodiments, the innerprotective pad and said outer protective pad are shaped in x and ydirections to provide a compound curve.

In certain embodiments, said inner protective pad and said outerprotective pad are constructed of the same material. In certainembodiments, said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad areconstructed of different materials. The inner protective pad and theouter protective pad may be constructed of metals (such as aluminum,tin, and the like), plastics, (such as polyvinyl chlorides, polyesters,acrylics, methacrylics, polycarbonates, polyaramids, and the like),composites, and the like. The materials may be reinforced withreinforcing fibers.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to garments,comprising:

-   a pocket comprising an inner portion and an external portion; and    -   a protective pad assembly, comprising:        -   an inner protective pad having a proximal end and a distal            end;        -   an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal            end;        -   wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective            pad are permanently connected at said proximal ends; and        -   wherein said inner protective pad and said protective stiff            pad are configured to accommodate at least a portion of said            external portion of said pocket; and    -   wherein said inner protective pad fits within said pocket; and    -   wherein said external portion of said pocket is sandwiched        between at least a portion of said inner protective pad and at        least a portion of said outer protective pad.

Preferably, the pocket is the general shape of the protective padassembly. The pocket may be made of any suitable fabric or material. Incertain embodiments, the external portion of the pocket is made of afabric or material that has some degree of stretch to permit easyinsertion and removal of the protective pad assembly, as well assecurely positioning and maintaining the protective pad assembly inplace in the pocket. It is preferable that the outer portion of thepocket is not made of a fabric or material that is too flexible, asinsertion, positioning, and maintaining the position of the protectivepad assembly may be unduly difficult.

In certain embodiments, said pocket is located on at least one elbowportion of said garment, at least one knee portion of said garment, atleast one shin portion of said garment, at least one hip portion of saidgarment, at least one shoulder portion of said garment, or a combinationthereof.

In certain embodiments, said external portion of said pocket comprisesat least one opening for releasably connecting said inner protective pador said outer protective pad or both to said external portion of saidpocket.

In certain embodiments, said garment further comprises a cover flap. Incertain embodiments, said garment further comprises a cover flap that atleast partially covers said pocket.

In certain embodiments, said garment is pants, a shirt, a coat,overalls, coveralls, or a combination thereof.

A preferred embodiment of a protective pad assembly 2 in accordance withthe present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The protective pad assembly 2is shown within a pocket 20 having an internal portion 22, an externalportion 24, and optional flap 26. Outer protective pad 4 is permanentlyconnected (molded) to the inner protective pad 6 at their proximal ends5 and 7. respectively. Optional comfort pad 8 is shown connected to theinner protective pad 6. The outer protective pad 4 is releasablyconnected via connector 9 to the inner protective pad 6 at their distalends 10 and 11, respectively. The external portion 24 of the pocket 20is sandwiched between the outer protective pad 4 and the innerprotective pad 6 and held in place by connector 9.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a pocket 20 of one embodiment of thegarment of the invention that accommodates the protective pad assembly(not shown). The external portion of the pocket has holes 27 a, 27 b.Optional flap 26 is shown partially covering the external portion 24 ofthe pocket 20.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of the protective pad assembly 2 of theinvention showing an outer protective pad 4, an inner protective pad 6,an optional comfort pad 8, and optional connectors 9 a, 9 b.

FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of the protective pad assemblyof the invention showing an outer protective pad 4, an inner protectivepad 6, and an optional comfort pad 8 inserted within a pocket 20 with aflap 26 of a garment of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, withthe protective pad assembly 2 inserted within the pocket 20, only theouter protective pad 4 is exposed. In this embodiment, the connectors 9a, 9 b attach the inner protective pad 6 to the outer protective pad 4through the external portion 24 of the pocket 20.

When ranges are used herein for physical properties, such as molecularweight, or chemical properties, such as chemical formulae, allcombinations, and subcombinations of ranges specific embodiments thereinare intended to be included.

The disclosures of each patent, patent application, and publicationcited or described in this document are hereby incorporated herein byreference, in their entirety.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes andmodifications can be made to the preferred embodiments of the inventionand that such changes and modifications can be made without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. It is, therefore, intended that theappended claims cover all such equivalent variations as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective pad assembly, comprising: an innerprotective pad having a proximal end and a distal end; and an outerprotective pad having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein saidinner protective pad and said outer protective pad are permanentlyconnected at said proximal ends; and wherein said inner protective padand said protective stiff pad are configured to accommodate an outerportion of a pocket.
 2. A protective pad assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising: a comfort pad.
 3. A protective pad assembly of claim 2,wherein said comfort pad is softer than said inner protective pad, saidouter protective pad, or both, as measured by Shore hardness.
 4. Aprotective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said inner protective padand said outer protective pad are permanently connected at said proximalends using at least one connector selected from the consisting of:molded connection, stitching, grommet, lacing, nut and bolt, tape,staple, adhesive, cable tie, zipper, and combinations thereof.
 5. Aprotective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said inner protective padand said outer protective part are releasably connected at said distalends.
 6. A protective pad assembly of claim 5, wherein said innerprotective pad and said outer protective part are releasably connectedat said distal ends using at least one connector selected from theconsisting of: hook-and-loop, buttons, snaps, magnets, releasablelacing, nut and bolt, zipper, and combinations thereof.
 7. A protectivepad assembly of claim 1, wherein said inner protective pad is releasablyconnected to said pocket.
 8. A protective pad assembly of claim 1,wherein said outer protective pad is releasably connected to saidpocket.
 9. A protective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said comfortpad is releasably connected to said inner protective pad.
 10. Aprotective pad assembly of claim 1, wherein said comfort pad isreleasably connected to said pocket.
 11. A protective pad assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective padare substantially the same size.
 12. A protective pad assembly of claim1, wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad areconstructed of the same material.
 13. A protective pad assembly of claim1, wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad areconstructed of different materials.
 14. A protective pad assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective padare shaped to accommodate a body part of a user.
 15. A protective padassembly of claim 14, wherein said body part is an elbow, knee, shin,hip, or shoulder.
 16. A garment, comprising: a pocket comprising aninner portion and an external portion; and a protective pad assembly,comprising: an inner protective pad having a proximal end and a distalend; an outer protective pad having a proximal end and a distal end; andwherein said inner protective pad and said outer protective pad arepermanently connected at said proximal ends; and wherein said innerprotective pad and said protective stiff pad are configured toaccommodate at least a portion of said external portion of said pocket;and wherein said inner protective pad fits within said pocket; andwherein said external portion of said pocket is sandwiched between atleast a portion of said inner protective pad and at least a portion ofsaid external protective pad.
 17. A garment of claim 17, wherein saidexternal portion of said pocket comprises at least one opening forreleasably connecting said inner protective pad or said outer protectivepad or both to said external portion of said pocket.
 18. A garment ofclaim 17, further comprising: a cover flap.
 19. A garment of claim 17,further comprising: a cover flap that at least partially covers saidpocket.
 20. A garment of claim 17, wherein said garment is pants, ashirt, a coat, overalls, coveralls, or a combination thereof.
 21. Agarment of claim 17, wherein said pocket is located on at least oneelbow portion of said garment, at least one knee portion of saidgarment, at least one shin portion of said garment, at least one hipportion of said garment, at least one shoulder portion of said garment,or a combination thereof.